US commits to defending Philippines in SCS

[hullexile]

Pompeo visited Manila and gave a commitment to defend the Philippines in the South China Sea. They had been asked for this commitment previously (most publicly in May 2016) but have always been non-commital.

Two minds about this.

Always get worried when the big boys start posturing, usually ends up with the small boys getting whacked. Clearly it will increase tensions.

On the other hand having the Americans finally commit may prevent further Chinese expansion.

I would feel safer if I thought the US President was more mentally stable but then Obama was wishy washy on this and the Chinese just ignored him and expanded their territory. The expression on Duterte's face clearly showed he had got what he wanted.

[huja]

SCS, Taiwan Strait . . . the U.S. is sending a message to China. However, I don't think China will slow it's buildup. Their window of opportunity to flex beyond their borders/shores is short. It's now or wait another century or two.

[shri]

Pompeo visited Manila and gave a commitment to defend the Philippines in the South China Sea. They had been asked for this commitment previously (most publicly in May 2016) but have always been non-commital.

The problem with US policy at the moment is it has the memory of Dory (the goldfish in Finding Nemo)... its all good till the next tweet.

[hullexile]

Original Post Deleted

What worries me more is that to make a point America may come to the aid of its allies whether those allies want it or not. The Chinese will I am sure push it to see how far they can go.

The American and Australian military planes have never stopped flying in and out of Clark anyway. The ports are a UN display of navy ships on "goodwill" visits (USA, Russian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese...).

[Skyhook]

What worries me more is that to make a point America may come to the aid of its allies whether those allies want it or not. The Chinese will I am sure push it to see how far they can go.

The American and Australian military planes have never stopped flying in and out of Clark anyway. The ports are a UN display of navy ships on "goodwill" visits (USA, Russian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese...).

This got me thinking about what, Harvard's, Professor Graham Allison said at a TED Talk, once. We only need to look at the larger map of history, over the last 500 years, there have been 16 examples where a rising political/economic/super power, threatened to displace the present time ruling power, of those, 12 went to war.

I think they have very good reason to maintain the status quo in the SCS region, I don't think I, or anybody else on here, would wish the alternative. That would severely suck!

[hullexile]

Marcos with Biden in New York.




I think it is safe to say America has won this round. Even talk of US bases on Philippine soil.

Remember the article by Robles in the SCMP about Marcos being the Manchurian candidate?

[D.YU]

I would feel safer if I thought the US President was more mentally stable but then Obama was wishy washy on this and the Chinese just ignored him and expanded their territory. The expression on Duterte's face clearly showed he had got what he wanted.

Obama was the greatest in presentation, but the worst in results. Especially for international stability and global issues.

Biden is in diapers already... he will need it if war breaks out. But I am glad USA is stepping up.

PH economy was heavily reliant on China. Is this no longer the case?

[hullexile]

Obama was the greatest in presentation, but the worst in results. Especially for international stability and global issues.

Biden is in diapers already... he will need it if war breaks out. But I am glad USA is stepping up.

PH economy was heavily reliant on China. Is this no longer the case?

The Philippine economy isn't heavily reliant on China. Yes it is the biggest trading partner but not overwhelmingly. In fact in 2021, the USA was the top country for Philippine exports (Trading Economics). Japan appears to be the biggest investor.

[D.YU]

The Philippine economy isn't heavily reliant on China. Yes it is the biggest trading partner but not overwhelmingly. In fact in 2021, the USA was the top country for Philippine exports (Trading Economics). Japan appears to be the biggest investor.

Fair enough. Perhaps trades with USA will grow given the USD is at a all time high vs PHP.

[bdw]

South Korean president also had a photo with Biden in New York this week, then he was overheard on a hot mic just afterwards calling US politicians "fuckers"

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-k...en-goes-viral/